guard 1 of 2

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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guard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Noun
The Sixers have reportedly not ruled out selecting Bailey, and ESPN noted that Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations with the Sixers, selected current guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain without hosting a private workout before past drafts. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 When the truck's driver and guard went inside, the men struck, quickly breaking in and making away with the bags under the cover of night, MacCabe told USA TODAY. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
Fever star Caitlin Clark was being guarded by Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025 Then guard Courtney Vandersloot drove up the court after a Fever turnover, lunged toward the basket with the ball in her hands and crashed directly into Aari McDonald. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • According to the Federal Register, recommendation votes are scheduled for multiple vaccines, including for the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to those whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.
    Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
  • The child must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians.
    Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • New polling of likely voters in Senate battleground states has found President Trump’s frequent clashes with federal courts are becoming a hot issue that could put Senate Republican candidates on the defensive in 2026.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 20 June 2025
  • The Kansas City Chiefs are being sued by former NFL defensive back Ramzee Robinson, who previously worked as the team's director of player engagement.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Nena Farrell The Best Bike Locks and Ebike Locks Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
  • George Russell’s eyes narrowed under his flowing locks.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The reports also said Ruiz has claimed self defense; USA TODAY has reached out to LVMPD for more information.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • Although the maximum sentence for smuggling one person is 10 years and Abrego Garcia is accused of transporting hundreds of people over nearly a decade, his defense attorneys point out there's no minimum sentence.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Our guide pulls out a cowrie shell, a gleaming charm sitting in the middle of her hand.
    Jaha Nailah Avery June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • As part of our guides to the sides that will feature in the tournament, James Horncastle gives you the background on River Plate.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Giuntoli’s departure meant Comolli’s arrival, and the former Liverpool and Tottenham director spoke at length with Tudor and was seemingly won over by what the former defender had to say.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The trailer showed the video game version of the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year receiving the ball, juking around Curl and leaving the defender in the dust.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The Marines are tasked with protecting federal facilities and personnel, according to a statement from U.S. Northern Command, and will operate under Task Force 51—a contingency unit created to coordinate military support for domestic emergencies.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Here’s a thought: Several big-time football schools have abandoned open spring football games, which used to be a sizable event attracting fans and alums to campus, to protect players from being scouted and poached in the transfer portal.
    Russell Dinkins, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Small fragments of volcanic debris probably fell like rain through the opening during the first phases of the eruption, causing the four people inside the home to rush to the bedroom and blockade it with a bed to protect themselves.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
  • There have also been disputes between the U.S., Israel and Arab nations over how to administer humanitarian aid blockaded by Israel to Palestinians in Gaza.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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